Oil has been an invisible machine at the core of our economy and society. It now faces an uncertain future as activists and investors demand change. Could this be the end of oil?

As the North Sea industry struggles to meet the need to cut carbon emissions, oil workers see their livelihoods under threat, and investors seek to protect their assets. Meanwhile a younger generation of climate activists are catalysed by the signs of impending chaos, and the very real threat of global sea level rises. However, the licensing of new oil fields such as the Cambo oil field off Shetland is seen to be in direct contradiction to the Government’s alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement and hosting of COP26.

Drawing on the voices of young activists, oil company executives, economists and pension fund managers, The Oil Machine explores the vital questions that affect all our lives and considers how quickly can we transition away from our reliance on oil.

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